Physical Education

Graduation Requirements

The college maintains a physical education requirement for graduation; however, the program carries no academic credit. A total of four courses are required: Davidson 101 (required of all first-year students during their first semester at Davidson); Two (2) Lifetime Activity courses, and one team sport course. The Davidson 101 requirement must be completed in the first semester of the first year at Davidson. Students are encouraged, but not required to complete the physical education requirement by the end of their sophomore year.

The Director of Physical Education certifies completion of requirements in Physical Education. Upon completion of all Physical Education requirements, the following transcript notation is entered: “PE Requirements Completed.”

Davidson 101

Required of all first-year students (not required for transfers) during the first semester at Davidson.

Davidson 101 (DAV101) provides new students with the facts and skills necessary for safe and healthy lives at Davidson. The course also introduces essential principles and skills for balanced and successful lives beyond the college community-including career decision-making, interpersonal relationships, and healthy lifestyles.

Students must complete workshops in the following categories:

Alcohol Education (Web based)

Career Development (1 hour)

Diversity (1 hour)

Human Sexuality (1 hour)

Library Information (Web based)

Realizing Your Risk (1 hour)

Each component of DAV101 is required to graduate.

Lifetime Activity Requirement

Two lifetime courses are required. Students enrolled for credit are required to attend 90% of the class sessions. Each absence exceeding the allowed number must be made up.

While students are encouraged to continue with a subject or activity they enjoy, a class may be taken only one time for credit

200-level coursesare designed to provide a foundation for a healthy, physically active lifestyle helping students to find a balance between work and recreation.

300-level courses are aquatics courses designed to fulfill a lifetime requirement upon successful completion of a swim evaluation.

500-level courses are offered in partnership with Davidson Outdoors. Note: not all Davidson Outdoors’ activities meet the PED Lifetime Credit criteria; please verify compliance before taking a course for credit.

Varsity Athletes: Students who complete four years as a varsity athlete will be awarded two lifetime credits and their team sport credit. Athletes that compete for less than four years will receive one lifetime and one team credit and are responsible for completing the second lifetime credit.

Team Sport Requirement

One credit required.

Students can fulfill their team sport requirement through varsity athletics, club sport, or intramural participation. Varsity athletes must be listed on the team’s official roster, while club sport and intramural athletes are required to participate in 75% of the scheduled games and/or practices.

For specific information on sport offerings, contact the Coordinator of Club Sports or the Coordinator of Intramurals

Additional Information Regarding Physical Education Requirements

Taking PE Classes after completing requirement

Students are welcome to register for PE classes after completing their requirement. While students are encouraged to continue with a subject or activity they enjoy, a class may be taken only one time for credit.

Independent Study Programs

Independent Study Physical Education supports students who choose to engage in an activity/course that Davidson’s Department of Physical Education does not offer and/or is a class or activity that is performed during the summer or while a student is studying abroad. The IS opportunity does not include activities that students engage in as a part of a regular lifestyle or fitness routine. A self-paced work-out proposal will not be accepted. Classes must be instructor based with documentation of participation. The goal of the IS option is to enhance the current physical education curriculum by encouraging students to learn an activity that is not offered as part of the curriculum or accommodate a special circumstance. Students may earn up to 2 PE credits total for an independent study project. Prior to the start of the IS project the student must complete an IS proposal request to the Director of Physical Education and Recreation for approval. Appropriate documentation is required for credit to be awarded. Credit will not be awarded retroactively.

Varsity Athletes

Students who complete four years as a varsity athlete will be awarded two lifetime credits and their team sport credit. Athletes that compete for less than four years will receive one lifetime and one team credit and are responsible for completing the second lifetime credit.

Students with Special Needs

Students with special needs are welcomed by the Department of Physical Education and Recreation. Students with special needs who plan to enroll in a PE class should notify the Director of Physical Education prior to the time of registration, and if necessary, request special assistance.

Physical Education Courses

The lifetime leisure and recreational activities offered by the Physical Education Department are designed to encourage and motivate Davidson College students, staff, and faculty to maintain a lifestyle that promotes healthy and beneficial activity. The courses offered are designed to instruct you in activities that will provide a foundation for a healthy, physically active lifestyle.

Courses are designed to provide a foundation for a healthy, physically active lifestyle helping you to find a balance between work and recreation. The courses below are just a sampling and change from semester to semester.